Irish Holiday

Trip for 4 to Ballyfin in County Laois, and to Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland with airfare

6 days/5 nights

Enjoy the atmosphere of a period Irish home with all the comforts of a five-star resort!

Our very own Kay and Fred Krehbiel (loyal members of Lyric's Women's Board and Board of Directors, respectively) have generously donated a stay at Ballyfin in County Laois, Ireland. Considered the most lavish Regency mansion in all of Ireland, Kay and Fred began renovating the estate in 2002 and opened its doors in 2011 as a country house hotel.

You will feel as though you have stepped back in time, although you somehow managed to keep the pleasure of electricity and running water-the best of both worlds! Two couples will have the opportunity to relax and take in beautiful views of the Slieve Bloom Mountains and hike throughout six hundred acres of parkland. Unearth entertainment in the numerous activities onsite, from falconry to croquet to dressing up in the estate's selection of period costumes. Trust us, you will want to find out for yourself just why Ballyfin was named Condé Nast Traveler's "#1 Best Hotel in the World" in 2016.

After your stay at Ballyfin, head over to the Ashford Castle. This remarkable, 800-year-old castle was named "#1 Best Resort Hotels Ireland" by Travel + Leisure's 'World's Best' Awards in 2017. In April 2015, the Ashford Castle reopened its doors after a $75 million restoration of the grounds. Take advantage of the castle's 32-seat cinema, billiards room, cigar terrace, and spa.

May the luck of the Irish be with you as you place your bid on this idyllic getaway!

YOUR TRIP FOR FOUR INCLUDES:

• a three-night stay (2 rooms) at Ballyfin, a five-star luxury country house in the heart of Ireland
• a two-night stay (2 rooms) at Ashford Castle, a five-star luxury hotel in County Mayo
• roundtrip airfare from O'Hare to Dublin, provided by American Airlines

Note: Subject to availability. Expires June 1, 2019. Business / First Class AAnytime Level 2 round trip mileage certificates for airfare for four guests from Chicago to Dublin provided by American Airlines, the Official Airline of Lyric Opera.

Generously contributed by Ballyfin (Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Krehbiel), Ashford Castle (Paul Klein Travel), and American Airlines

Ready to place a bid? Pre-bids can be made here. Pre-bidding for Live Lots will close at 5:00 p.m. CST on Friday, April 13.

Interested in bidding by phone during the Live Auction? Please call 312.827.5682 to make arrangements.